Electbical generating system



H. A. HARRINGTON.

ELECTRICAL GENERATING SYSTEM.

APPLICAHON FILED JAN. no. 1920.

1,423, A Patented July 18, 1922.

Z SHEETS-SHEET 1- Emu H. A. HARRINGTON. ELECTRICAL GENERATING SYSTEM.

APPucmou FILED JAN. 10. 1920. Y

1 ,423, 1 O7. Patented J 18, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

"We/M 3% M" i To all whom it may concern:

ductors when t HARRY A. HARRINGTON, 0E CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO.

nnnc'rnrcar. cnnniaarmc sYs'rEm.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 18, 1922,

Application filed Ianuary' 1d, .1920. Serial a... 350,641.

vBe it knownthat I HARRY A. Humme- TON, a citizen'of the United States, and resident of CuyahogaFallaOhio, haveinvented new and useful lmprovements in Electrical Generating-Systems, of which the following is a specification.

, My invention relates to an automatic electric generating system of the kind in which the prime mover isaninternal combustion engine driving a generator which supplies current to lamps or other-current-consuming devices.

My invention is particularly useful in isolated. lighting plants especially in the rural districts where the attendant is unskilled in the care and maintenance of storagebatteriem The. novelty of my inyention lies in the .fact, that it -1s"a'departure "from the two vides-a" lowwvoltage storage battery (32- or 64: volts) to supply current to the main conie engine is not running, this battery being jalsoiutllized to furnish energy to operate the enerator as a motor and start the engine. T e other'system uses no storage batteries whatever, and comprises an engine and agenerator, and requires that the engine be started manually.

The main object of my inventionis to rovide an isolated electric generating p ant which furnishes current at the standard commercial voltage, generally 110 or 115 .volts, and which eliminates the necessity of using a storage battery to su-pplycurrent at this volta e.

This permits the operator of such a plant to use standard lamps, motors, or other current-consumingdevices. It promotes economy in wiring due to the ability to use smaller conductors at standard voltages than would be possible-with a low voltage system transmitting the same amount of power. For the same reason it increases the economical range of transmission of. current. Also this system allows the installatioirof such a plant in places where fumes from the cells of the ordinary low voltagebattery system would be objectionable.

Another object is to rovide means for automatically starting t e engine when a lamp or other current-translating device 15 connected to the main conductors, and to automatically sto the engine when the current-consu1n1ng evices are disconnected from the mains. This results in economy of operationin that the engine does not run when no current is required.

Other ob'eets and advantages of my invention w be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connectlon with the accom anying drawings in which Figure 1 is'a iagrammatic illustration of an electrical generating system embodying my invention; Fig. 2' is a diagrammatic showing of the system without the battery-char ing devices; and .Fig. 3 diagrammatical y shows a modification of-the system.

Refer-rin to Fig. 1 of the show at K ternal combustion engine. B is a low voltage motor, preferably (3 or 12 volts, suitably connected to the internal-combustion engine to actas a cranking orstartin medium for this engine. 0 1s .a .low v0 tage battery, prefers ly a storage battery of 6 or 12 volts such as is used for automobile starting, lighting, and ignition. This battery furnishes current to energize motor B and to certain relays as hereinafter shown. 'D" is a sensitive'relay, energized from the battery (3" operating to close the circuit to magnet Altho, diagrammatically, the magnets in this invention are shown us solenoids with plungers carrying disc contort connectors, I do not wish to confine my invention to this type of apparatus, and it is understood that the terms solenoid and plunger are used interchangably with the terms magnetand armature respectively. It is to be further understood that when the magnets are euergized, the connector discs make connections with the contact studs shown immediately above them and that normally these discs make contact as shown in diagram.

E is a magnet energized from battery C though the medium of relay D. E has an armature provided with a plurality of contact-making members which perform certain functions to be described later.

F" is a magnet energized from the generator A. and so designed as not to attract its armature until the voltage of the generator has reached a certain value which may be 75 or 80% of normal. The armature drawings, I

a generator driven by an in.-

plurality of contact-mirth members.

carries Fann of contactinahing members whic perform functions which will be explained. n t is so urranged that when its si'inaturcis attracted and in this position by a latching arra ement.

LGf is. a small mngnetenervincd y current from 'eneraitor"h on so disposed with regar to the letching inecha'nistn of magnet F, that the armature of magnet F is relezl'sed when in "'et G is energized; This allows armour-e of magnet F to return to'normul'posltion.

' H" is a m et energized from the battery C and fih s an 'urmature carryin' a 11s ma 'net 15 provided within etchi arrange-- me i: similar to that. of magnet ipfis a m et energized from the butany C. 'Its i iiction is' e llea the=li1tch iii mechanism of in" ust w i'en magnet fiis'neigizedf f .K" is e; contact-milking ain'meter whose needle is air ed to incite contact with a stationary 1- when no current is flowing through the nmmeter circuit. The

needle carries current which, energizes I jc.G"' mif this current i's'excissive, il uu iiliiity relay int) be inserted in the circuit in such a manner that the needle niltiis' contact f r this nuiiliiiry 'rel'ey which in tiiiii'clfis s tie 'ci'i'cuit' 'foi in "ct GL Lfis a r'eley of the voltmeter 'y e, having tn o stationary contacts as shown. The needle or this frelty makes connection with these contnctscii hen the voltage ofthe hutterr C fnPs or rises to certamyelues.

r Having t ms. (lescrihcd the in'iijor members of my invention. Iih-ill' oint out in detail the connections and functions of the component devices so that. the operation of the system may; be cleart undelstood.

Referring to the ingram, all member: of. this inrention are shown in their normal conditions. The engine und generator nre at rest and it is assumed that the battery C is fully charged irhile the main co'nductor-shave an open circuit. Using numerals for reference. 23 and 24'may be any currentronsuming dcrices, in this case they are shown as him Assume that la n) 23 is connected to tie main circuit 21 ant 22 by closing ofi the switch 25.

A circuit may then lie traced from lamp 23. through conductor 21, main switch 27, contact members 28, conductor 29, winding of relay D, conductors 30 and 31 to butte'cr (1" thence through conductors 32 and 33, contact members 34, conductor 22, switch 25 to lump 23. This causes relay D to be energized. attract its armature and close its contacts. Current then flows from butturv (1" through conductor 31. contacts 35 ot rcluyy D," conductor 36, \rindin of magnet E; conductor 37, conductor "2 to soon as magnet F is energized,

battery C. "Hence E i's energized attracting its armature causing its contact members to function. The following circuits may then be trained: leeches its limit of travel, it willbe retalned (inc circuit ste ts at battery C, proceeds through conductor 31 through contacts 38, conductor 39, motor conductor 40, contacts 41, conductors 42 and 32 to Bette C. Thestarting motor B" is energi rotates and causes the internal-combustion engine to revolve.

Contacts 43 cl'ose the circuit oion -induction coilor magneto in an ignition system of any 's'uituble tyge, through the'conduc tors 44, 45, 46-, :m 47.'--Th'e specific farm of ignition system employed is not material to my invention and thereforjit is deemed necessary to illustrate only a master switch for controlling anignition circuit ot; any suitable type. Withthe engine revolving and the ignition circuit operative, an ex plosive chnrge will be drawninto the 0 lin deror cylinders of the en ine andwi' be explode causing the rodiiction of .ower and self-continued rotation. -When th s ongine attains speed, the motorB" will run it e.

A third circuit may be traced from generator A through conductors 48: and'49, contacts 50 of magnet E, conductor 51, winding of magnet F, conductors 52, 53 and 54 to generator A.

When the vol of nerntor A attliins a value of 75 01 8 re uyfiF is en'er zed cousin its armature to be nttracted mtl latched in place. Up to this time no current is flowing through theammctor K but as e main circuit 21 and 22 is switched from the lower contacts 28 und'34 to the upper contacts 55 and 56. Hence current may be traced from generator A through conductors 48, and 61, through ammeter K to conductors 59 and 58, through contacts 56, main switch 27, conductor 22, switch 25, lamp 23. conductor 21, switch 27, contacts 55, conductors 57 and 54 to generator A.

The breaking of connections at contacts 28 and 34 of magnet F opens the circuit to relay D causing the latter to be decnergized. n turn it breaks the circuit to magnet 13" whose armature returns to normal. Breaking of contact connections at mu net E results as foilows:

'1 \e circuit of magnet F is broken at contacts 50, but armature of F is held in by the latch. Contacts 38 and 41 break connections to starting motor 13 causing it to run idle; connection to the ignition circuit is broken at contacts 43 of magnet EE, but

is maintained by contacts 62 of magnet F since these contacts are connected in multiple by conductors 44, 45, 46 and '47.

iVhen magnet F is ener 'ized, it provides for the circuit to magnet Ti by means of its contacts 63. This circuit will be traced when the operation of stopping the en no is explained. The circuit to magnet 'r it will be noted, is opened in ammeter'h by the needle contact when current flows thr the ammeter. To prevent magnet G from getting a momentary impulse of current dun ing the movement of thearmeture of magnet F from its normal position, contacts 63 of magnet F may be designed to close after contacts 55 and 56 have been made, or as an alternative, magnet G may be provided with a dash-pot or other means to render it sluggish in action. Magnet F also is provided with contacts 64 which are closed when this magnet is energized. These contacts are made to afl'ord'means for the control of the char 'ing of the batte C. The operations whic 1 take place in, e charging of this battery will be explained later.-

At this point, the engine hav' attained full speed, the generator A wil "generate normal voltage and thejlamp 28 or any other connected current-consuming devices will'receive requisite current. a

N 0 current at this time is flowing from battery C because this is em 10 ed to furnish current for the control 0 t e St-arting devices only, and these devices, namellgi'the relay D, magnetFE and motor are all on open circuits.

Also, magnets F and G are consuming no current since their circuits are open. Hence it will be seen that with the exception of a slight amount of current necessary at times for the charging of battery C, the full out. at of generator A is available for thc )IOl action of light or power.

T16 operation of stopping the engine is as follows:

Disconnection of the last eurrentrconsuming device (in this case assumed to be a'. lag; from the main conductors 21 and causes the needle of the ammeter i to fall back and make connection with the stationmy contact. This allows current to flow from generator A along conductors $8 and G0 to contact and needle -of ammeter, K, conductor 65. through windin of'magnet conductor 66, contacts conductors 67. 53 and 54 to generator A. This energizes nmgnet G causing it to release the hitch mechanism of magnet F and allows and the following CIIClIllZ 1s established.

the armature of the latterio return to normul position. The circuit. to magnet G is now broken atcontacts 63, the main circuit is switched from contacts 55 and 56, to contacts 2S and 34. The charging circuit to battery C is broken at contactsi64 and the ignition circuit is opened at contacts 62, thus causinq the interna'I-combnstion engine to stop, and thcgenerator A to cease gencrating.

Hence it. will be seen that all mechanism and circuits are again in the normal condiough provided for keeping it properly char tion previous to, and necessary for, the starting of the engine.

thas been assumed that battery 0 is a. storage battery, hence means should be 0 effect this purpose, the voltmeter re ay L is royided, and is connected across the termin sof-thestorage-battery C. Contacts 68 and 69 of this relay are so arranged that the voltmeter needle will make con tact with them at the low and high values respectively which the voltage ofthe battery=is allowed to attain. When the battery :becomes discharged to a point where its voltage reaches a certain minimum value, the needle of the voltmeter relay -L" make: contact-at 68.- 1 A circuit may now be traced from battery C, conductors 31, 70 and 71, contact72o magnet H, winding of ma at H, conductors 74 and'75, contact 68, needle relay Dr-conductors 76, 77- and 32h) battdry' C! ener fzes magnet H", causing its armature to eattracted and to be latchedin position. Magnet. now consumes no current because 'ithas 0 ed its own circuit at contacts 72. If t e engine is not running and 'if,' "for some reasomthe voltage of battery should fallto the minimum allowable value, contacts 78 are provided to connect a re- "sistanoe across-'the main circuit 21 and 22, causing the automatic starting of the engine in like manner as when lamp 23 was connected. This resistance may take the form oi a lampas shown by numeral 79.

I Contacts-64 and 80 are provided to complete 'the charging circuit which may be traced as "follows; from generator -A", which is assumed to be operating, along conductors48, 60 and 61, through ammeter K to conductors :19, 81 and 82, variable resistance 83, conductor 84, contacts 80, conductors 85,86, 70 and 81 to battery C, thence'to conductors 32 and 33, contacts 64 of magnet F, conductors 53 and 54 to generator A.

The battery CKcontinues to charge and this operation does not interfere with the operatlon of any current-consumin devices which may be coimected across t e main circuit. en the battery voltage attains the proper maximum value, the needle of relay will make contact with point 69 From battery C, through conductors 32, 77, and 76, then'through needle to contact '69,. thence through conductor 89, through windin of magnet J, conductor 90, con tacts 8 conductors 71, 70 and 31 to battery C. This energizes magnet J causing it to release latch of magnet H whose armature falls to normal position. Magnet J. is then deenergized by breaking of contacts 87. The resistance 79 is also disconnected from the main circuit at contacts 78,

and if nothing else is connected to these mains, the operation of stop ingthe engine will proceed as previousy described.

Henccit will be noted that means have been provided for chargi battery 0 regardlcs of whether the engine is runningor not at the time it is desired'that. the char e shall begin. Also, magnets J and consume current only momentarily. It is impossible to throw the battery across-the generator A, when same is idle, and thereby discharge the batter or cause reversal of the generator fields, ecause contacts 64 of magnet F must be closed and thisis possible only when the generator A is generating.

Attention is now invited to Figure 20f the drawings which schematically showsa modified form of my invention without, the battery-charging portion of the system. The various switches, apparatus, etc. are numbered in accordance with the previously dc scribed system shown in Fig.1..

In this Figure, only aconvjentional showi of the main switch-latching device is be ieved necessary. The starting switch- E is shown. for convenience as having only one main circuit contactor and. a single interlock to control the energizing circuit for the main switch F.

A. current relay K is shown in-Lieuof the ammeter K and is assumed to function in the same manner as the ammeter.

The ignition system, which is conventionally indicated, may be ofany type in which the grounding of the circuit throughseriescouuected contactors 91 and 92 interrupts the operation of the prime mover.

Only a brief discription of the operation of this modified system is deemed necessary. When a circuit is established through any of the current consuming devices, the relay 1) is energized from the battery C through the interlock 28 of the main switch F.v lay D establishes an energizing circuit for the starting switch E and thus connects the starting motor B to the battery C. The closing of switch E renders the ignition circuit active and thus efl'ects the starting of the prime mover.

The switch E. when closed, completes the energizing circuit for the main line switch F which is actuated when a sufiicient voltage is developed by the generator A as previously explained. The switch F, however, bci-ng mechanically latched when once closed, is independent of the subsequent operation of switch E which is'deenergized by the interruption of the circuit through interlock 28.

The relay K is held suspended over the contad members so long as current traverses the main circuit. Vihen the main circuit is interrupted, however relay K energizes tw t? the latching device G to thus interrupt the operation of the system.

Figure 3 shows a system with a round ignition circuit and provided with a attery charging outfit. A description of the operatron of this system is not deemed necessary in view of the description oi the operation of the systems previousl set forth.

It will be clearfrom-t e foregoin description that an isolated lighting p -t constructed substantially in accordance with my invention as described and illustrated, will cause the engine to automatically start and drive a generator to provide current tor light and power, when a lamp or other eminent-consuming? device is connected acrossthe main conductors; and will autonmtically stop the e 'ne -when current is no longerrequired an the last current-consum' ,deviceisdisconnected, It will also beseen that this is accom lished without usin the generator as a mo or and without em yinga storage battery which is, connected 'in the: main distributing. circuit. The proper charging of the battery is; moreover, accuratel regulated; thus prolonging its life and msur reliability of-servlce.

It will be furt er notedthat a small lowvoltage battery, is all that is required for starting urposes. An examination of the systems illustrated discloses the fact that e majority oi contacts are broken when little or nocurrent is flowing and hence, contact trouble-is reduced to a minimum. An incidental feature, advant us to this system.- is the. fact that the b owi of a main fuse will automatically step t e engine which is excellent in case of a serious short circuit.

Vhat I claim is:

1.. An electrical generating system includiugyin combination, a prime-mover; a start ing-device for the prime-mover; a general:- ing-device driven by the prime morer; associated means for storing and supplying electricity; conductors connecting these devices and constituting circuits therewith. a secondary circuit; a main current-consuming circuit associated with these circuits; means operable upon the closing of the main circuit for starting the prime-mover, said means including a magnetic device provided with contacts; terminals forming circuits connected with the main circuit and energized upon closing of the main circuit to close the contacts of the secondary circuit; a second magnetic device including an armature in circuit with the first magnetic device and operable upon the closing of the circuit to attract its armature; means included in the circuit of the second magnetic device for normally holding the armature in attracted position; and another circuit associated with the second magnetic device and operable ing:

upon closure thereof to release the armatureholding means. a

2. An electrical generating system includin combination, a prime-mover; a starting-define for the prime-mover; a generating-device driven by the prime-mover;

. amociated means for storin and supplying electricity: conductors connecting, these devices and constituting circuits therewith; a secondary circuit,- a main -current-consuming circuit-associated with these circuits;

- means operable -up0n" the closing of the main circuitfor starting the prime-mover, said means including a magnetic-device prorided with an-armature and contacts and terminals forming circuits connected with the main-current and energized upon closing of the main circuit to: close the contacts of the secondary circuit; a second magnetic device in circuit "with the first magnetic deviceand-operable-upon the closing of the circuit to attract its :armature; means included inthe circuit of thelsecond magneticdevice -for normally. holding the armature in attracted ositiony-iinother circuit"associated with-Ht e-second magneticsdevice and operablenpon closure thereof to release the armature-holding; -means; and; a current measuring devicedisposed in one-of the circuits'and operable to actuate the releasingdevice. 3.-In an electricalz-generatmg system, the combination with an electrical generator; a battery; a-prime'morer; an electrical motor for starting-the prime-mover; and a main distributing circuit including current consumingdeviccs; of a system'of controlfor the up aratus comprising a main circuit switch having an actuating coil, an auniliary switchfor controlling the starting motor, means associated with the auxiliary switch 'for completing the circuit for the actuating; coil of the main switch, a latch for mechanically latching the 11mm switch in its closedposition, and an elcctro-magnetic device for releasing said-main circult switch when no. current is traversing the distributing circuit.

4:. In an electrical generatin system, the combination with an electrics. generator; a battery; a prime mover; an electrical motor for starting the prime mover; and a main distributing circuit including current consuming devices; of a system of control for the apparatus comprising a mam circuit switch, an auxiliary switch forcontrollin the starting motor, an interlock associated with the auxiliary switch for interrupting the actuating circuit of the main switch when said auxiliary switch is deener zed, mechanical latching means for maintamin said main switch closed when once operate and electro-magnetic means energized only when less than a predetermined small value a battery; a prime mover'yanelectrical motor for starting the prime 'mover ;'and a main distributing system includin :current consuming devices; of a sytem o control for the apparatus comprising axn'ain circuit switch,'-an auxiliary switch ion-controlling the starting motor, a mechanical device for latching said main' circuit switch in its'closed osition, electro-magnetic means controlled y the current traversing'the di'stributing circuit for releasing the latchinfi device, and means associated with the aux iary switch for interru ting the actuati circuit-ob the main switc when saidauxi iary switch-is open.

6. In anelectrical generating system, the combination with' a generator; '41 distributjng circuit including current consuming'devices a prime mover 'a motor' for start said prime moyerranda storagebattei'y 3% a'main circuit switchihav-inimplumlityof relay actuated bygless than a predetermined small value of current traversing the distributing circuit for controlling the electromagnetic device; an auxiliary switch having an actuating coil for controlling the starting motor, a relay for controlling the energizes tion of the actuating coil ofthe auxiliary switch. said relay heingenergized through the current consuming devices and interlocked with said main circuit switch and opmhle only when said main circuit switch is open, and an interlock actuated by the auxiliary switch for preventing the operation of the main swit h except when said auxiliary switch is closed.

7. An electrical generating system comprising a generator: a prime mover adapted to drive the generator; a source of electrical storage and supply; a main distributing circuit associated therewith including current consuming devices: control circuits for governing the operation of the system: a relay associated with the control circuit and ads ted to be energized when a circuit is est-ahlished through any of the deidces connected in the main distributing circuit; a starting switch energized from the source of.electrical storage through said relay; 2. main switch: an energizing circuit for the main switch included in the control circuit; and an interlock associated with the starting switch and included in the energizing circuit of the main switch.

8. In an electrical generating system, the combination with an electrical generator; :1

battery; ajprime mover; an electrical motor for starting the prime mover; and a main distributing circuit including current consuming devices; of a system of control for said apparatus comprising a main distributing circuit'switch; an auxiliary switch for controlling the starting motor and an interlock operated thy said auxiliary switch for interruptin the actuating circuit for the main switc when the auxiliary switch is open.

prising .a generator; a prime mover adapted to drive the generator; a source of elcctrical storage end'supplyya. main distributing circuit amociated therewith including current consuming devices; control circuits for governing the operation of the system; of a main circuit switch; a starting motor switch; and s coil ior actuating said main circuit switch having-its circuit interlocked with the starting motor switch, said coil being cuergized in"accordence with the voltage of the main distributing circuit.

19. ln an electricalgeneratin system, the combination with an electrical generator; :1 battery; a prime mover; an electrical motor for starting the prime mover; and a main [distributing ci'rjeuit including current cons ming devices; of a systenrof control for said apparatus comprisingan auxiliary sis-itch for controlling the starting motor, cumin circuit switch interlocked with the auxiliary'switch, and a relay interlocked with the main switch and energized thrd'ugh the current consuming devices for effecting the closing of the auxiliary switch.

11. In on electrical generating system, the combination with an electrical generator; a. distributing circuit including current cousumiug devices; a prime mover; means for automatically controlling the operation of said prime mover in accordance with the circuits established in the distributing circuit; and a storage battery; of a switching device associated with the storage battery for-automatically disconnecting the battery from the distributiz-ig circuit when the sys 9, An electrical generating system com-- tem is operating; and means for automaticall connecting the storage battery to the distributing circuit during the operation of said system only when the storage buttery requires recharging.

1.2. In an electrical generating system, the combination with an electrical generator; :1 distribution system including current consuming devices; a )rime mover; a storage battery of materially less voltage than the voltage of the distribution system; and means for automatically controlling the op oration of said prime mover in accordance with the circuits established in the distribution system; of switching mechanism associated with said storage battery and adapted to start said generating system when the battery charge decreases to a predetermined small value independently of the circuits in the distribution system, said storage better' functioning only as a means for star ing said prime mover.

'13. In an electrical generating system the combination with an electrical generator; a distribution system including current consuming devices; a rime mover; in storage battery of nmterially less voltage than the voltage of the distributing system; and means forautomatically controlling the operation of said prime mover in accordance with the circuits established inthe distribution system; of switching mechanism associated with said storage buttery for starting said enerating system when the battery charge ecreases to a predetermined small value, and means for automatically interrupting the operation of the generating system when the battery becomes charged to a predetermined voltage; said storage battery functioning only as a means for starting said prime mover.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed my name in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HARRY A. HARRINGTON. Witnesses:

L. M. HARTMAN, B. J. MoDANmL. 

